Liuzzi confirmed at Hispania for 2011

Vitantonio Liuzzi has been announced as Hispania Racing’s second driver for the 2011 season.

He is the final driver to take his place on the grid, and he will race alongside Narain Karthikeyan this year.

Christian Klien was also in the running for the final slot, but Liuzzi was confirmed by the team today. Team principal Colin Kolles stated:

"Tonio is a very professional driver who will bring a lot of benefits to the team.
I have known Tonio for many years as he raced with me in lower categories.
I am convinced about his skills to develop a car and his speed. He has shown this in
the past having contributed to a large extend developing and moving a back grid car
to the front. I had the pleasure of working with him and I am very happy and proud
to have him racing with Hispania Racing.”

Vitantonio lost his race seat at Force India early this year, despite having a contract to race with them this year. He has said that he had “never lost hope” fighting to stay in F1:

“I am really happy to have signed this agreement with Hispania Racing.
I never lost hope to be in Formula One as I knew I have the experience and the
right attributes for a young and ambitious team. I face a new challenge now and
this excites me.
I also face a lot of hard work in guiding Hispania Racing through the development
of our new car. I am extremely grateful to José Ramon Carabante and to Colin
Kolles for giving me such an opportunity.”

In a separate announcement, HRT have stated that they will present their 2011 car and drivers on Friday afternoon in Barcelona.